After many months of waiting, the restrictions on holding a lodge meeting were finally lifted on 17th May, albeit not fully. Not wanting to waste any time, Temple Island Lodge No. 8301, based in Henley, had sought a dispensation to delay their May meeting, due prior to the restrictions being lifted, to the day of the restart.
They had carried out a passing under the rule of 6 in November, the day prior to Freemasonry being suspended, and on the first day back they repeated the exercise – once more making use of the rubber gloves stuffed with poodle hair (yep!) to demonstrate the grips to the candidate being passed to the 2nd degree.
Certain modifications to the ceremony were made – such as the candidate having his own pedestal and bible, and the deacon having to guide with his wand as opposed to taking the candidate by the hand – but yet again the ceremony went like clockwork and the candidate had a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Afterwards, the brethren adjourned to a local pub, where other members of the lodge were waiting, and with the tables of 2 and 6 being appropriately socially distanced (and officially approved) a fabulous 3 course meal was enjoyed by all. After the last ordinary diner had left, the landlord locked the door and gave the members free reign over the pub.
Temple Island has a very exciting programme of future meetings and visitors will be most welcome – visit www.templeislandlodge.co.uk in the next few months to find out what’s on!